Ad-hoc | 10 November 2010 07:46
RATIONAL AG / Key word(s): Quarter Results 10.11.2010 07:46 Dissemination of an Ad hoc announcement according to § 15 WpHG, transmitted by DGAP - a company of EquityStory AG. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- RATIONAL on the growth path - Sales up by 8 percent - EBIT-growth of 14 percent year-on-year - 79 new jobs created Landsberg, November 10, 2010. RATIONAL successfully grew sales in the first 9 month by 8 percent to 244.0 million euros over the previous year of 226.4 million euros. In the third quarter sales were up by even 10 percent. It is pleasing to note that virtually every region contributed towards the sales increase. The performance of the Americas is particularly gratifying. With an increase of 26 percent in the third quarter it surpassed the high level achieved in the first half-year. Though, Europe also made a significant contribution towards the positive development by posting an 11 percent rise in sales. The strongest individual market, Germany, was up slightly in the third quarter compared to the previous year, reporting an accumulated 4 percent increase. Asia delivered a small rise of 3 percent in the third quarter. 28 percent EBIT-margin in the first nine months The good sales performance, combined with costs rising at a lower rate, plus the positive effects of exchange rates, produced a sharp increase in the result compared to the previous year. Earnings before interest and taxes improved in the first nine months by 8.5 million euros or 14 percent to 69.2 million euros. In the third quarter, the company posted a 30 percent EBIT margin; after nine months the figure stands at 28 percent and is above the high level of 27 percent reached in the previous year. 74 percent equity ratio - liquid funds of 140 million euros In the first nine months, RATIONAL generated an operating cash flow of 61.5 million euros. RATIONAL has an extremely sound financing structure and has liquid funds of more than 140 million euros at its disposal. The equity ratio further increased from 68 percent in the previous year to 74 percent as at September 30, 2010. RATIONAL invests in the future As a result of the positive overall economic development and significant potential for worldwide growth in virtually all the world's markets, the company pressed ahead with the targeted expansion of its sales capacities. As at the report date of September 30, 2010, the company employed 1,072 people, an increase of 79 compared to the start of the year. Growth is expected to continue in the fourth quarter The positive prospects for economic activity worldwide, the superior product technology, significant market potential, as well as outstanding customer loyalty and satisfaction, combined with a highly efficient sales and marketing network and the backing of an excellent financial base provide the best conditions for enabling RATIONAL to continue its successful development in the future. On the basis of the progress of business during the first nine months, the management also anticipates being able to maintain the growth path in the fourth quarter. Contact: RATIONAL Aktiengesellschaft Dr. Günter Blaschke Tel. +49 (0)8191 327-364 Fax +49 (0)8191 327-272 e-Mail: g.blaschke@rational-online.com www.rational-online.com Information for editors: RATIONAL is the world market and technology leader for the thermal preparation of food in professional kitchens. The company, founded in 1973, employs more than 1,000 people, of which more than 600 are in Germany. Since the IPO in 2000 RATIONAL was floated in the Prime Standard on the German stock market and is currently listed on the MDAX. The company's principal objective is to offer customers maximum benefit. Internally RATIONAL is committed to the principle of sustainability, expressed in its policies on environmental protection, leadership and social responsibility. Numerous international awards bear witness year on year to the high level of RATIONAL's work.Q3 2010 Q3 2009 Change in % Sales (in m EUR) 86.4 78.7 +10 EBIT (in m EUR) 25.9 25.4 +2 EBT (in m EUR) 25.8 25.2 +2 EPS (in EUR) 1.71 1.65 +49M 2010 9M 2009 Change in % Sales (in m EUR) 244.0 226.4 +8 EBIT (in m EUR) 69.2 60.7 +14 EBT (in m EUR) 68.9 60.4 +14 EPS (in EUR) 4.54 3.92 +1610.11.2010 DGAP's Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases. Media archive at www.dgap-medientreff.de and www.dgap.de --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Language: English Company: RATIONAL AG Iglinger Straße 62 86899 Landsberg a. Lech Deutschland Phone: 0049 8191 327 364 Fax: 0049 8191 327 272 E-mail: i.klinckmann@rational-online.com Internet: www.rational-online.com ISIN: DE0007010803 WKN: 701080 Indices: MDAX Listed: Regulierter Markt in Frankfurt (Prime Standard); Freiverkehr in München, Berlin, Düsseldorf, Stuttgart End of Announcement DGAP News-Service ---------------------------------------------------------------------------